First Black woman to serve as Apex town manager begins Monday

Crosby is laying out her goals for the future of a growing town in Wake County. She is coming to Apex after three years as Chief of Staff for the city of Toledo, Ohio.

"I really think that my skills match what Apex is looking for in terms of the change and growth they’re experiencing right now," Crosby said.

Earlier this year, a report revealed 'deeply entrenched' racial bias in the town's police department. Crosby says she'll focus on issues involving growth, diversity within town staff, and community engagement.

Crosby is hoping to enact change to the police department's culture with her decision of police chief.

Report: Racial bias 'deeply entrenched' in Apex Police Department

"The biggest thing is making sure we have good leadership in our police chief, making sure that walking in the door we set values for how we expect our city employees to interact with our residents as well as other employees," Crosby said.

The report described the police department as a family unaware of its dysfunctionality. While some officers provided glowing reviews, others called the culture "toxic," "stressful" and "horrendous." The incoming manager promises accountability to everyone in the community.

"One of the things I’ll be looking for is making sure we have somebody that’s ... committed to making sure we’re providing good public service to all residents — regardless of their background or demographic — but who can also can gain the respect of officers," Crosby said.

In the wake of George Floyd protests, Apex police focus on change, reform

Less than 1% of residents are American Indian and Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander. More than 8% of the population says they are Asian, and around 7% say they are Hispanic or Latino, federal data shows.

Black Americans make up nearly 7% of Apex's population.

The report said officers said that the police department only serves the "wealthy" and White side of Apex, and is "abusive to minorities."

Apex is also hiring a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer to focus on cultural issues in the town.

Mayor Jacques Gilbert said the town needs a "fresh start."

"I think she can really get us in a culture we’re looking for, because when our culture is good we serve our citizens better," Gilbert said.

Crosby says managing growth, increasing diversity within town government, and getting the community involved in the process are among her priorities.

"I need to make sure I understand what our residents are looking for and I’m accomplishing the goals those residents have set for the community," Crosby said.

Crosby’s first day on the job is July 12. She’s set a goal to meet all of the town’s employees within the first two weeks. She also plans to schedule community walking tours to talk with people in their neighborhoods.

Gilbert said he hopes to have a new police chief in place by the end of July.